Gordon McConnell

Richard, Thanks for the flight test report. Very encouraging indeed and not a surprise! 4lb with battery gives a low wing loading and a good speed range. Just about to start my Hurricane so I had better get a move on.

Hi Richard, Please put me down for a RED 13 decal set. Gordon

Happy with a build thread only for the FW190. The build thread for the P51 was very well done by Paul Johnson and helped me immensely with my first Warbirds kit. I have been reading through this whole thread and now understanding the Richards’s logic on simplicity, I think I will not fit retracts, at least to begin with. Looking forward to it.

AndrewModel Shop Leeds are excellent. I rely on mail order as the nearest small model shop is over 30 miles away and not well stocked. MSL have always delivered promptly and when I had an issue with a transmitter purchased from them, it was replaced immediately with no delay. 110% for service from Andrew, Will, etc.

Thanks Richard, Please put me on the list for a FW190 with retracts. Gordon

Hi Richard, Just catching up on this tread. I am interested in the FW190 kit. I see that a retractable undercarriage may be available. Any thought on when that might be? Still got my Hurricane in the queue to build but will have more time soon when I finally retire.

Richard, I have sent you a PM. Gordon

No way! They can remain envious!! Interestingly showing the model on our What’s App group has sparked interest in having a warbirds day or a scale day at the club. A few of the members do have kit built models so hopefully it will encourage others to try to build a kit or plans pack model. wondering what to build over the winter. Anymore warbird kits on your shelf or in future Richard? Best, Gordon

Thanks Paul. The grin was even wider than that!!! 😀😀 it is very satisfying, after hours and hours of work to build a model, to have a very successful first flight. But this one was special for sure! Gordon

I had another practice taxi test today at the field. The wind was moderate to gusty and the direction was from the south which meant using the short er runway but at least the wind was right down the runway. I had earlier checked that the model ran straight on a tarmac area. The rudder travel was adjusted as Richard suggested. Putting on half rudder for the first taxi run made it much easier to control. On the second run I managed to keep it down the middle and made the decision to continue the take-off. She flew off perfectly with only some right aileron trim needed. The gear retracted ok and soon it was time to think about the landing. I dialled in some flap expecting a trim change in pitch but none needed and in fact there seemed to none needed with full flap which was a pleasant surprise. Landing was affected a bit by the gusts but helped by Paul’s advice to keep some power on. Absolutely delighted to find such good flying qualities and to have finally completed the first flight! Thanks to all on the forum for the sharing of tips and advice and to Richard for such a fine design. Gordon P.S. the sheep were trespassing on the other runway. 😀😀

Thanks Richard. Will set the rudder up as you say and test that the model tools straight. Will lilkely have another go at high speed taxi this afternoon. Gordon

Richard, I agree totally with what you say. Jonathan has done an amazing job to build his model and have a successful flight. I think your and the the other key guys support for this forum topic has been the key to my successful build and to Jonathan’s as well. Many thanks to all of you. I will take your good advice on reducing the risk on flying from my strip. Weather is not quite so hot up here and we always have a breeze ( at least!). Paul’s advice on being very progressive with the throttle advance is a good one. Richard, the max rudder travel is quoted as 30mm. Where is this measured? Is it at the top of the rudder or elsewhere? Best to start off with the correct travel to begin with!! Also your point on another project is very welcome. Winter is not too long away!! All the best, Gordon

Congratulations Jonathan, great to see you first flight achieved safely. Your model looks terrific! I finally got my P51 to the flying field today in good conditions. My intention was to do some high speed taxy runs as our strip is narrow, with rough mowed grass and a longer grass border. I found it very difficult to keep the direction straight down the centre of the strip, having some big swings in yaw running into the longer grass. I have a fixed tail wheel and I played around with the rudder travel and expo to reduce the sensitivity. I held in full up elevator to keep the tail wheel firmly on the ground. I got better at it but still not confident to accelerate under full power to take of speed. Has anyone had this sort of controllability issue and how was it managed? I would be grateful for any advice you can give. Thanks. Gordon

Don’t know if it is an authentic colour or not but this what I used for the yellow nose. It seemed to match the photos on the Internet of the full size P51. I have not flow my P51 yet awaiting work, weather, DIY, gardening, golf and some help at the club…………… or am I just nervous? ??

Beautiful flying shots Glynn. Perfect flight attitude which adds to the realism. ?

Jon, Really nice colour scheme and finishing on your model. Well done! Not long before your first flight! My P51 is still awaiting its first flight. It’s been windy and cold here over the last few weeks but now its calmer, I have not had time to take it to the field. Hopefully soon!!!

Very impressive indeed!! I like the concept of building by filling in between the cowlings!!.?? Super result.

Looks great Graham! Very realistic paint work on an interesting model. I like the oil streaks from the radial engines, just like it must have looked 78 years ago! Is the model scratch built?

Paul and Graham, thanks for the tips on weathering and panel lines. The Bf109 looks fantastic. I will have a go with some panel lines on the bottom surface first. No one will notice if it goes wrong!! ??

Thanks Graham and Richard. I will likely have a go at panel lines when I have summoned the courage to start. I must thank Glynn for the transfers and cockpit which have made the model come alive. It’s a great kit Richard. A joy to build, a true builders model. Five stars ***** for this one!!

Good progress Jonathan. I have finished the paint and markings but not yet been brave enough to try my hand at panel lines, etc. Some sign that the weather is improving so may not be too long now before first flight.

Tim, Thanks for the info. Your build weight is very impressive indeed. I think my choice of Solartex for covering was not such a good one (plus too much paint to get an acceptable finish). My Overlander Supersport battery is 35C 4250 mAh and weighs 411g plus an XT60 connector. 40g heavier than yours and around 10g more than Paul's Turnigy Nano. I will try to get a lighter solution when I need to build up my 4S packs. Happy New Year to you and the other contributors to this thread. Gordon

Thanks Paul and Richard. Glad to have your confirmation that I am not out of the acceptable range with my 7.5lb flying weight including battery. Will be waiting for springtime to fly when the field is dry, the grass cut and the wind down the runway! Happy New Year and Best Wishes for good flights in 2022.

Well, finally I have completed the P51 model minus a few decals for the fuselage invasion stripes. That should be done on the next week or so. I managed to weigh the model minus the battery. It came out a tad more than 6.5lb. The 4S Overlander battery weighs just under 1lb, so the flying weight will be 7.5lb. Feels heavy and would be grateful for some comparative weights from others on the forum. Motor is an Overlander 5055/06 580KV (279g) with the 4 blade FMS prop in a plastic spinner.